Review: Sweatily Ever After/Sweat Girls

In the Sweat Girls’ latest offering, “Sweatily Ever After, ” the veteran monologists (Dorothy Milne, Martie Sanders, Clare Nolan and Pamela Webster) borrow from yesterday’s fairytales to tell today’s stories. Unfortunately, the old issues visited (coming of age, the weight or want of family) are tritely expressed. When four women launch into “I am Woman, Hear Me Roar,” (I was 16 and asserting my independence!), you’re in trouble. Ann Boyd’s direction effectively avoids the monotony trap of the average monologue show through dance, audience participation and multi-voice pieces. But the ensemble is so slick that opportunities for genuine emotion are glossed over. Sanders’ piece about her fertility issues could have been a well-written portrait of frustration, but key moments were rushed. Milne is an exception. Her performance style is vulnerably human and her subject matter shows us an intimate view of her world. The rest of the Sweats should take note. (Lisa Buscani)

At Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark, (773)338-2177. This production is now closed.